HOW TO GET A DOG TO STOP LICKING YOUR HANDS
Basically, your dog obsessing about your hand and licking them once in a while should not be a major source of concern. But if it is something they do continuously, to the extent of it being a normal daily habit then you have to put a stop to it immediately.
Here are some steps you can take to stop your dog from being obsessed with your hands.
i. Start Obedience training to redirect this habit: If your dog tries to start licking your hands and acting obsessed with it, you can let out an “Ouch” sound and leave the area for him. For the first time, a ten to twenty minutes period is ok. After the time elapses, come back and start playing with your dog, if it is still insistent on obsessing after your hand then leave him and increase the time-out period, for example, the second timeout period may be up to thirty minutes.
As time goes on, with the timeout being elongated more, you do would get to understand that licking or obsessing after your hands will only cause him to be abandoned. This is certainly not what your dog wants and he or she would be forced to stop obsessing after your hand if they want your company.
ii. Provide other alternatives: This is something very important to do especially when the dogs are still young. Providing toys and puzzles around your dog will give them something else to lick on and obsess over. Young puppies with teething challenges can chew on the toys and lick to their heart’s satisfaction without being judged. Older dogs with puzzle toys get to access a reward at the end of their game.
iii. Exercise the dog properly: Boredom and neglect can make a dog pick up some bad habits just to get your attention, in this case obsessing over your hands. Engaging them in some form of physical exercise from time to time not only helps to deal with their boredom, but the exercising is also good for their general health and will make your dog bond with you better.
An average dog would be happy at the prospect of going on a walk with their dog parents or engaging in any form of physical activity with them. You see going for a walk with a dog can be the equivalent of going and experiencing your favorite places. New smells to investigate, new tastes to revel in, more sounds and sights to discover. Most dogs after a daily walk would have been engaged both physically and mentally enough for them to come back home and just relax without making a fuss of anything.
Engage the experts: When all other routines or tricks to change your dog’s behavior fails, try and involve an expert to help you. This may be your vet doctor, dog trainer, or animal behaviorist. Who knows, there might be more going on with your dog than you can establish properly. These experts would have enough knowledge and experience to understand and guide your dog through whatever challenges they may be experiencing.
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
Why does my dog lick my hands and feet?
Your dog licks your hands and feet as a way to show you some respect and honor. They are very much aware that you are their dog parent and love being your day-to-day companion. Licking your hand and feet is their own way of giving you some attention and affection
Why does my dog lick my hands when I play dead?
Your dog can tell a lot about you just by licking your hands, so if your dog is licking your hands while you are playing dead, they are trying to make sense of the current situation. But your dog would not likely lick only your hands, they would lick your face and any other part of your body that is accessible to them in order to make their own informed decision about the situation.
What does it mean when a dog licks your hand for a long time?
A dog that licks your hand for a long time shows that the dog is anxious. This dog is likely suffering from separation anxiety and is likely to need urgent attention or treatment.